Jalapeno Onion Rings

Serves: 4

1/3 cup buttermilk
3 jalapeno chilies, chopped with seeds
1 large white onion, cut into 1/4 inch thick rings
Vegetable oil, for deep frying
2 cups all purpose flour
Salt

Mix buttermilk and chilies in blender until only small flecks of chile remain. Pour into large bowl. Add onion rings and toss well. Cover and let stand at room temperature at least 4 hours. Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Line large baking sheet with triple thickness of paper towels. Heat oil in large, heavy saucepan to 325 degrees. Drain onion rings in colander and shake well. Thoroughly dredge 1/5 onion rings in flour. Do not shake off excess. Fry onion rings until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer onion rings to paper towels with slotted spoon. Keep warm in oven while frying remaining batches. Sprinkle with salt.